Antique rare French statue of a saint
St Anthony the Abbot with pig
Patron saint of the poor
Heavy intact plaster statue with a few signs of use
Signed on the back of the mantle but not clearly legible
1930s
Dimensions: height 31 cm, base 8.5 cm x 7.5 cm
His nickname Anthony with the pig originated in the Middle Ages. The Antonians, members of the nursing order named after him, were allowed to let their pigs roam freely as compensation for the care they provided. On January 17, these pigs were slaughtered and the meat was distributed among the poor.
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